How to cook rice without rice cooker

Rice, the staple diet of half the world. Having rice in your diet is one of many ways of building healthy habits (overcome carb-phobia). Yet so many people find it difficult to cook. For one, there is no simple answer to how to cook rice on stovetop. And, we have all heard of the one-to-two ratio of rice to water but somehow it doesn’t always work. Cooking rice without a rice-cooker can be such a hustle right? Luckily, part of the learn how to cook for beginners is cooking rice in a way that makes it intuitive cooking. How? Using the recipe that follows. Read further to learn how to cook rice without rice cooker (because is anyone really an expert?). Cook it perfectly and on the stovetop. Don’t forget to Sign-up for the monthly newsletter.

The health benefits of rice

If rice is so difficult to cook, why bother? Because cooked rice is tasty and healthy! Rice may look like a small and simple grain but it packs carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. One cup of white rice contains about 205 calories. This is why it should be part of your building healthy habits. Its nutritional values add to your success and learn how to cook for beginners. Many African countries that consume rice. Some being Madagascar, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and many more. Side note, I used jasmine rice to make this tutorial.

The healthier option: White rice or brown rice?

When it comes to which type of rice is the healthiest, brown rice wins the cup, according to a dietician. Brown rice does not have some of its nutrients stripped out like white rice does. Yet, white rice can still be more beneficial to others, depending on your dietary needs. For example, it may be easier to digest. The health benefits may also depend on what you pair the rice with. So if you love your white rice, try to pair it with whole foods like veggies or beans. This way you can keep your favorite rice without compromising building healthy habits. 

Learn how to cook for beginners

How to cook rice without rice cooker depends on three factors: water, heat, and the rice itself.

• Rice- Did you know that there is a difference in how you should cook older rice compared to newer rice? Newer rice absorbs moisture easier. So, the amount of water you cook rice in needs adjusting if you usually cook older rice and vice-versa.
• Water- Some people like to cook their rice in already boiling water. But, in the traditional way, we start with cold water. 
• Heat- It’s important to watch the heat when you cook rice. When it is too high, the rice grain does not fully absorb the water. This results in a soft outside and hard inside. If it’s too low, the rice may end up too sticky or mushy. 

How to cook rice on stovetop

The amount of time you should take to cook rice depends on how you like to eat it. We talk about the advantages of traditional lifestyle but traditions differ, all over Africa. For example the Malagasy don’t like rice too sticky. This all comes down to the type of rice you have and your willingness to know how to cook rice on stovetop. Thus, it is important to learn how to cook for beginners. With intuitive cooking (which we will talk about next) you have better control over this. 

Intuitive cooking for rice when using stove

I know, I know. It sounds scary to cook rice with no measurements. But, many of the measuring tips out there don’t always work. Plus, the traditional way of cooking rice is using intuitive cooking. Even for beginners. Yes, put that measuring cup away! It’s easier than it sounds. It also helps if you like to switch between different types of rice as they cook differently. And, now you don’t have to worry about accuracy on how to cook rice on stovetop.

IF you burn it: Madagascar Crisp Rice Drink

Video Guide

Cooking rice on an open flame is how most Africans learned how to cook. Some of us were not taught to measure water using a typical measuring cup either. Instead, we were taught to eye-ball the ingredients using intuition and common sense. This guide is meant to help so you do not need to rely on an electric rice cooker. Our aim is also for you to not be afraid or hesitate to cook any type of rice on stovetop or open flames. You never know where life might take you on its wild adventure. This instruction will guide you on how to start and what to do along the way so your rice can cook perfectly. For oceans sake, resist reading the cooking instruction on the package. It will confuse you from using your intuition. 

Personal story, I have eaten partly cooked rice from certain restaurants (Qdoba) and it is not fun. It ruins the entire appetite. At fast food chains, I beg ooo, if the restaurant worker does not eat rice at home habitually, please do not make them cook the rice. Have a foreign person in your establishment to cook dey rice nah (using my thickest African accent).

Anyway, are you excited to add rice to your building healthy habits agenda? I know I am. Let’s learn how to cook rice without rice cooker and you may not have to worry about how to cook rice on stovetop. And if you like this article, subscribe and share it! Curious about a no-animal-meat food lifestyle? Check out our Instagram page for real-life inspirations.

Recommended Stews for your rice:

Creamy Spicy Cranberry Beans Stew

Fragrant Liberian Cabbage Stew

Plain Oil Lima Beans Okra Stew Recipe